Alanna: the first adventure by Tamora Pierce

I'm not sure but I think this is the first Tamora Pierce book that I have ever read. This, I suppose, can only be explained by the fact that I came to fantasy late, preferring hard scifi and non-fiction in my youth.

In any case, I've corrected my foolish ways, and now I can assure you that this won't be the last Pierce book I read.


Alanna: the 1st adventure is basically a fun story that features a pair of red-headed twins who switch roles after they leave home. Alanna wants to be a knight, and thus becomes 'Alan'; while her brother, Thom, disdains the fighting skills, and heads off to school to learn magic.

Although I suspect we'll see Thom in future books, this book follows Alanna as she works her way up from page to squire. In doing so she meets a number of challenges, not least of which is a fierce bully, her shorter stature, and her own physical development.


Now you might be shaking your head and thinking 'ahh, the red-headed twin plot', in which you would not be entirely wrong. There is much that is familiar. But don't let that turn you away from giving this book a try. One of the things that I think sets Pierce's writing apart from others in the "red-headed twin, cut off your hair and pretend to be a guy genre" is that she doesn't pussy-foot around the real problems that would obviously crop up. She has Alanna being surprised her period, (apparently no one had had the talk with her, poor thing) and having to come to grips with breasts and male nakedness, and having to deal with the guilt of lying to her friends about her gender. Good stuff.


Talking Points:::
The beginning book in an adventure arc that spans 4 books.

Alanna is written at the 4th Grade level and The First Adventure is suitable for Middle Schoolers, on up. It would also be alright for your more savvy Tweeners who understand menstruation.

I enjoyed this book and thought it would appeal to those looking for light adventure. The characters are well drawn, albeit familiar. The writing is solid.

Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs

Alanna: the first adventure

Accelerated Reading level : 4.5

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (January 6, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 0689878559
• Take-a-Peek
  

The Fairy Godmother Academy - Birdie's Book by Jan Bozarth

If you have a young reader that enjoyed the Rainbow Fairy series, then do introduce them to Birdies' Book! (The introductory book in The Fairy Godmother Academy series.)

The writing style is similar, which is to say simple and straightforward and kid-friendly, but the story has been updated for a slightly older audience. There is, for example, some teen angst, and more personal drama and excitement.


The story is about Birdie's quest (Birdie Cramer Bright). Unbeknownst to her, her family has a strong history of magic, which unfortunately involves a terrible mistake which is killing the wonderous fairyland of Aventurine.

In order to fix this, Birdie must join forces with Kerka, a girl who is very much different than her; and the two of them must face off against dark forces and solve the mystery of how to repair the family talisman.


I really liked some of the aspects of this book. I liked, for instance, that Latin was introduced as a cool and positive thing. I liked that older people were revered and not ridiculed as they are in some books. And I liked that plant knowledge, like Latin, was presented in a positive light.

I think older girls are going to be drawn to the idea that sometimes they aren't going to understand what their parents are thinking. And that their parents were once kids like themselves, who sometimes made mistakes. (In this book, Birdies' mother denies her heritage! Something Birdie doesn't initially understand.)


Talking Points :::
This is a fun, light read that ought to be a hit with girls who like adventure and magic. There is light conflict as well as some inter-personal angst.

There is no real violence, nor anything too scary so that the book would be appropriate for younger readers, especially those who read above grade-level. (Note: there are one or two pages in the book that are in cursive. These might need 'translating'.)

The other point I would mention is that the book is not really 224 pages long. By my own count it is approximately 192 pages in length. The difference being that the publisher iincludes a sneak preview (love those!) into book #2, Kerka's Book.

Pam T
Somewhere in the X-burbs

The Fairy Godmother Academy - Birdie's Book

• Paperback: 224 pages **(see note in Talking Points)
  
• Word Count: 37,693
• Accelerated Reading level: 4.8 / points: 6.0
  
• AR quiz: 132752
  

Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder - Volume One: On Wisdom and Virtues

This is the first of three books edited by Stephen W. Hines concerning and addressing Laura Ingails Wilder, the author of the Little House of the Prairie books. The books Wilder wrote numbered eight in total and were written when she was in her sixties. Many do not realize that before the now famous books were written that Mrs. Wilder was a journalist and wrote a column for The Missouri Ruralist for quite a number of years. This little book that is being reviewed here is a collection of her writings taken from that publication. All these articles were written near the turn of the last century.

I feel that a very good argument could be made that Laura Ingails Wilder was one of the most influential writers of the first half of the past century. Even if we discard the fact that one of the most popular television shows in history was based on her stories, we still are left with the fact that her eight books had a tremendous impact on the youth of this country during the time of their publication and far, far after. There are more than ten million copies of her books in print at this time with more being run off the press as each year passes. It would be quite difficult to find any school or library in this country that did not contain her work; indeed, it would be difficult to find many countries around the world that did not have them on their shelves. Thousands upon thousands of school children, year after year, cut their reading teeth on these eight little works. Ask just about any literate American who Laura Ingles is or was and they will be able to tell you. On the other hand, ask them to name five dead Russian authors, six dead English authors and twenty five French, and chances are slim if they can name half that many. Ask further what these literary greats actually wrote and I will promise you that you will receive a complete blank stare in the majority of cases. Go a step further and ask any of these people to give a brief outline of just one piece of the cumulative work of these "word giants," and you will get a double blank look. Not so with Wilder's work! Folks, this is influence! This collection of 35 short column offerings is an absolute gem. Wilder's simple and uncluttered syntax shines though and the reader is given a wonderful glimpse of what is to be created in the future.

This is a collection of advice given to young readers. It is simple and to the point, yet each piece flows wonderfully. What is so fascinating about each bit of advice given is that is absolutely timeless. The right thing to do, the way to treat people and the realistic observations recorded here apply to now just as much as they did in the early 1900s.

Even though these words were written well over 100 years ago, they are still quite readable. I note that many young people have difficulty reading the wonderful Anne of Green Gables series due to the style in which it was written, i.e. very, very post Victorian. Not so with these little bits! Yes, you will note a different in the flow and a difference in the structure of some sentences, but overall Mrs. Wilder setting at your kitchen table using the same word forms and patterns would not at all be out of place in the here and now!

I enjoyed this work, not only because I am a big Wilder fan, but also because the editor, Stephen W. Hines did not muck around with her words and bore us to tears with "insightful" pontifications of his own. He let her work stand on its own merits and trusted the reader to come to their own conclusions. I found that to be quite refreshing. This is almost a must read for Wilder fans. There are two more books in this series that I am into right now and they are just as well put together as this one is.

This work is appropriate for age group 10 through 100 plus!

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks




Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder

• Accelerated Reading level : 6.9
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 10, 2006)
• ISBN-10: 1400307848

related posts:
Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder - Volume Two

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

No Bones About It! There's a New Hero In Town!

Some books you just know will be fun to read. It can be the title, the cover, the plot description . . . something that just makes your fingers itch to crack the cover. This is one of those books. His name is Skulduggery Pleasant. He's a snazzy dresser with a cool car. He's an elemental master who never has to find trouble, because it finds him. He's also a walking, talking skeleton. But that hasn't stopped him from trying to save the world. Derek Landy makes his debut in children's fiction with this delightfully action-packed romp about a skeleton detective and his strong-minded 12 year old sidekick.

The book opens with twelve-year old Stephanie Edgley receiving an inheritance from her recently deceased uncle. That inheritance includes, among other things, a mansion, money and entry into a deadly and fascinating world of magic and mayhem. Like, Harry Potter, Stephanie's about to discover there's a secret society of sorcerers and mages that the ordinary world doesn't know about. Unlike Harry Potter, she's a stubborn, smart-talking gal who won't take `no' for an answer, even when she's in mortal danger. The forces of evil are looking for a key that her uncle had, and they think she has it. They'll do whatever it takes to get it. Skulduggery and Stephanie have their hands full trying to stop them, because if they find what they're looking for, it just may be the end of the world. It's a high action adventure that readers will tear through to find out what happens, enjoying the witty dialog and colorful characters along the way. Derek Landy's first book for children is enjoyable, entertaining and vivid. In fact, it would likely make a good movie or television series without too much effort.

It's no surprise that Mr. Landy's past work includes screenplay writing--this story springs off the page in full 3-D action and thrills. However while the plot charges forward, the narrative doesn't offer much in the way of internal character thought or character depth. We really know very little about our main protagonist, Stephanie, other than that she despises school, is quick with a retort and doesn't flinch when the chips are down. While she's certainly fun to read about, her wit and flagrant disregard for rules a change from the usual, she doesn't really reveal much about herself and what makes her tick. Also, Stephanie's age is problematic. At times, she acts much more mature than a twelve year old would be expected to--she seems more like she's fourteen or fifteen. At other times, her lack of knowledge about Skulduggery's chosen words makes her seem younger than twelve. The story, while told in a fresh and exciting manner, is not all that new, or surprising: forces of evil want an object that will end the world, forces of good must stop them. Mr. Landry's sorcerous world builds on well-known conventions: complete with name magic, vampires, magical books, tentacled monsters and maniacal violent bad guys. This doesn't make it bad, but it's fairly predictable. And I can't quite forgive the author for naming the villains `Serpine' and `Mavolent'. It makes my teeth hurt when the baddies are so painfully obvious.

What saves this book from being another clichéd contemporary fantasy for kids is the chemistry between Stephanie and Skulduggery. These two characters are made for one another--trading witticisms and retorts, disrespecting authority and watching each other's backs. Stephanie is a tough heroine who takes a licking and kicks evil in the shins. Skulduggery is a charming hero all the readers can cheer on. This is a fairly violent book with death and lethal threats at every turn for the protagonists. While this is handled well without becoming too dark, it may be a bit frightening for sensitive younger readers. For a quick read and a taste of action-adventure, this isn't a bad choice at all. There's no doubt that this is only the first story in a series of adventures featuring our cast of characters. With any luck, the author will explore his character in more depth while maintaining the excitement of this first book.

For readers 9-14 looking for some quick-moving enjoyable contemporary fantasy with a gothic twist, this will likely be just the thing. Readers who enjoy this book may also want to check out Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins and Changeling by Delia Sherman.

Happy Reading! ^_^ Shanshad

• Accelerated Reading level : 4.9
  
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 3, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 0061231150
• ISBN-13: 978-0061231155
• (27 Regular folks) at Amazon rated this book 4.7 out of 5 stars

LEO A BABY LION'S STORY

Leo A Baby Lion’s Story is one of a number of works published in a series “My Animal Family.” This is the story of a baby lion growing up on the Serengeti plains as seen through the eyes, and told by Leo, a baby lion cub. This 31 page book has been meticulously researched and is extremely accurate as to the facts presented. Each animal, each situation is new and the writers have been able to convey this newness to the reader. The paintings of the various animals and plants are completely anatomically correct.

The text is simple and easy to follow and fits perfectly with the illustrations. And speaking of illustrations; the artist has used soft colors which blend perfectly and give the reader the feeling of actually being their, yet has not crossed the point where they seem to be actual photographs. This had made the work much more effective in my opinion and has enabled the story to be told without the constraints of having to follow pictures taken in the wild. Please note that these paintings are completely child appropriate. There is no tearing apart of other furry creatures, no upsetting images of the sudden death that is usually presented in this environment. The critters portrayed here actually seem to be getting along quite well, but not in the cartoonish sort of way we often see in such works. There is little to no anthromorphizing here. I find this refreshing. If the illustrations are examined closely, it would appear that the actual art work has been superimposed digitally over the actual photographed back ground in several frames, and done so quite effectively. It is difficult to tell…you have to look closely.

The story examines closely the relationship of the lion pride, mother, father and children. This gives the adult reader many opportunities to discuss family life with the child and his or her relationship with other member of their own family. I like this.

This book is great, but that is not all you get! Included with this work is a wonderful DVD filled with shots of actually lions on the Serengeti. A child’s voice narrates the lion cub’s story. These films and shots are actual BBC footage and also consist of original songs which are also loaded with lion facts and trivia; this DVD alone with worth the price of the book. You also get a card which contains a secret pass word that allows you to enter a wonderful interactive web site which is loaded with various educational games. Again, the footage on the DVD and the games on the web site are completely child appropriate. They are fun and extremely educational. I am one of those people who simply cannot stand computer games of any sort, yet I found myself fascinated with some of the offerings here.

The book itself is very well made and is sturdy enough to take quite a beating. The boards and paper are of high quality and have the look and feel of a much more expensive book. Reading level for this one is from pre-readers through beginning readers (3-9). This is a perfect book, or I should actually call it a package, to use in the class room and would be absolutely ideal for those who are home schooling their children. In this day and time when we are looking for more “bang for your dollar,” I can hardly see how you can go wrong with this one.

All in all, this is a complete class act. I have kid tested these books (two classes of first graders) and the book, along with the DVD was a complete success, i.e. the kids loved it.

Considerations :::
A Baby Lion's Story needs to be read to kids.

EMILY'S NEW HOME by Carol Zelaya

Emily’s New Home by Carol Zelaya and illustrated by Kristin Metcalf is the third book and conclusion (?) of the three book series about a little girl and her wonderful relationship with Emily, a Chickadee. As with the first two books, this one is an absolute delight to the ear and eye.

The little girl is moving; moving to a place in the country where there is “more room to play, near cows and horses and barns with hay.” Like all children, there is obviously some anxiety for the little girl and she fully admits that moving away is scary. Chief amongst her concerns is what will happen to her special friend, Emily the Chickadee.

The little girl moves and wonders if Emily will be able to find her new house. Will she be able to fly in the snow? Does she know that the old house is sold? Emily is sad with worry and then……oops! Sorry, no spoilers here! I have been accused of a lot of things in my life, but placing spoilers in my reviews is not one of them!

Like the first two books, this one is another little gem. The text is made up of rhymes, telling the full story of the move to the country. The rhymes are quite rhythmic and soothing in nature, making this a wonderful bedtime read. The artist, Kristin Metcalf has captured the mood of the story perfectly with bright, vivid and accurate colors of birds, pants and background. The text goes perfectly with the illustrations. The author and illustrator’s love for nature shines through with this one!

The very last page in the book consists of a neat little “Chickadee Log.” It enables the little ones to record their Chickadee sightings, their call, and what the bird was doing at the time. This makes a great activity for the adult and child to work on together and who know, may instill a love for birding in a child that will last a life time.

I cannot say enough good things about this book and this series. The book itself is a sturdy thing and will last for years and years. I do highly recommend this one. It would make a wonderful Christmas gift, or an “anytime” gift, for that matter.

Considerations :::
We could not find a Reading Level for this book, so the best assumption would be that you will need to read this to your children.

related posts:

Emily the Chickadee

Caring for Emily's Family

CARING FOR EMILY'S FAMILY by Carol Zelaya

Caring for Emily’s Family by Carol Zelaya is a continuation of the wonderful little story found in Emily Waits for her Family, where we are introduced to the nature loving little girl and her new friend, Emily the Chickadee. This work, like the previous was illustrated by Kristin Metcalf and we certainly have a winner with this team!

In this current little book, our little girl shows how the relationship with her friend the Chickadee develops and how she, the little girl, helps Emily and her family in a nonintrusive way. Setting up bird feeders, making sure there is a supply of water for drinking, bathing and keeping cool and nice housing. All the while, the little story makes it abundantly clear as to the joy the little girl is getting from her bird friends.

Again, the author has used light verse to tell her story, a rhythmic verse which is pleasing to the ear while still using simply words that the little ones will be able to fully understand. The book is short and is perfect to set down for a quick read with your child or grand child and is absolutely ideal for a bed time read. The author obviously knows and loves her critters and knows kids. This shines through on every page.

As with the first Emily book, the illustrations are of the highest technical quality, filling the pages with beautiful colors. Again, the artist, Kristin Metcalf has captured the birds and plants perfectly as to anatomical correctness. I always feel this is important because books at this level are quite able to instill the beginnings of a love for nature in a child and it is always a good thing when the subject is being properly presented. I have no doubt that most children, after reading through this book, will be able to identify a Chickadee when they see one in the wild, and perhaps several different verities of flower.

Each short verse goes perfectly with the painting and even though the art is simply, it still gives the reader plenty of material to point out to the child and discuss. Little things like making the strawberries distinctive from the black berries are important when teaching a child to pay attention to detail.

The book is quite well put together and is a class act in itself, as are the writing and illustrations. This is the kind of small board book that can take quite a beating over the years. I suspect that this book, and the others in series for that matter, will be eventually handed down to the next generation. As you get older, you think of stuff like that, huh!

I cannot think of a better gift to give to a child (I always give books, have for years) than this little volume and the other two which make a nice set. Let’s hope the author continues with either an addition to this series or starts another.

Recommend this one highly.

Considerations :::
We could not find a Reading Level for this book, so the best assumption would be that you will need to read this to your children.

related posts:
Emily the Chickadee
Emily's New Home

EMILY THE CHICKADEE by Carol Zelaya

What an absolutely delightful and wondrous little book! Carol Zelaya, along with her illustrator Kristin Metcalf has created a true little gem with this one! Emily the Chickadee is the story of a little girl who strikes up a loving relationship with a small chickadee, which she names Emily, and eventually Emily’s family. There is not one aspect of this work that is not charming.
The entire story is written in rhyme, and simple rhyme at that, which tells of a loving tale between the little girl and nature, specifically, a small Chickadee. You can sense the author’s love for nature throughout her writing and her understanding in children. If you consider an author that can put their writing ability to good use, along with their love of nature and children, you have a pretty potent combination.

The art work in this small book is a delight to the eye. The artist, Ms Metcalf has used smooth bright colors and has used these colors in a very effective way. No jumble of eye distracting detail is present. What you see is what you get. Her paintings of the birds and various flowers and other plant life are extremely appealing and anatomically correct in ever way. This lady apparently knows her subject!

Now I have to admit that being an avid birder, flower gardener and amateur naturalist for over 60 years makes me quite susceptible to the subject matter here, but by any standards, this is a well crafted book. I did read this one to two of my young nephews and they did like it. This is a pretty good endorsement as these two young men are quite jaded in their respective five and six literature selections.

I have to agree whole heartedly with another reviewer here in that I was delighted to note that the author approached the entire subject through observation, never once having the little girl interfering with nature’s natural process. I like that as it is a good lesson for children (and some adults.) I also had to agree that the binding of the book and the entire construction was wonderful. This book will be able to hold up for quite a number of years.

Everything about this work is a complete class act. This would make a perfect stocking stuffer for Christmas or just as a gift out of the blue to one of the wee ones. I highly recommend this one.

Considerations :::
We could not find a Reading Level for this book, so the best assumption would be that you will need to read this to your children.

related posts:

Caring for Emily's Family
Emily's New Home